Microverse Postdoctoral Researcher in High-throughput Microbial Ecology

Friedrich Schiller University is a traditional university with a strong research profile rooted in the heart of Germany. As a university covering all disciplines, it offers a wide range of subjects. Its research is focused on the areas Light—Life—Liberty. It is closely networked with non-research institutions, research companies and renowned cultural institutions. With around 18,000 students and more than 8,600 employees, the university plays a major role in shaping Jena’s character as a cosmopolitan and future-oriented city.

In Microbial Ecology, some processes are best described by stochastic models, while others are highly deterministic. Adressing the fundamental question, which microbial ecology processes are stochastic or deterministic, is critical to predictively model microbiome dynamics, understand why and how microbial communities adapt to different environments, and design interventions for remediation of diseased plants and animals or restoration of polluted sites. To address this question, we are looking for a postdoctoral fellow to set up a new research line “High-throughput Microbial Ecology” within the new Viral Ecology and Omics Group of Prof. Bas E. Dutilh at the Microverse Cluster in Jena. Do you want to contribute and shape the future of microbial ecology research? Join our team as a:

Postdoctoral fellow “High-throughput Microbial Ecology” (m/f/d)

The position is to be filled at the earliest possible date. The Viral Ecology and Omics Group studies microbiome functioning and dynamics, in particular the role of viruses across biomes. We combine microbiological and eco/evolutionary experiments with molecular biology, microscopy, (meta‑) genomics, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, and computational modelling. Our level S1/S2 wet lab will feature a state-of-the-art laboratory automation system with high throughput plate reader, microscopy, microbiology, and molecular biology facilities. Our dry lab features 4Tb compute nodes and GPU processors, and is supported by the high-performance computing center of the Friedrich Schiller University. We are embedded in the Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse (microverse-cluster.de ) which combines expertise in life, material, optical and computational sciences to elucidate fundamental principles of the interactions and functions in microbial communities in diverse habitats.

Your responsibilities:

• Set up a new research line “High-throughput Microbial Ecology” within the Viral Ecology and Omics Group.
• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator and Laboratory Manager to design and implement a laboratory setup for high-throughput ecological and eco/evolutionary experiments.
• Plan and conduct experiments on microbial communities from different biomes, to understand which aspects of Microbial Ecology are stochastic versus deterministic.
• Select and supervise doctoral researchers to address specific sub-questions.
• Communicate and discuss your research with group members and collaborators.
• Report your findings in publications and presentation at international scientific platforms.

Your profile:

• A PhD in microbial ecology, microbiology, virology, or related discipline. Specialist knowledge and hands-on expertise in microbiological techniques.
• Direct experience with laboratory automation, high-throughput microcosms, and/or experimental evolution is required.
• Outstanding track record of planning, performing, and publishing original research.
• Track record of supervision and training of students or junior researchers.
• Excellent communication skills, ability to work as a team and to interact with people from diverse nationalities and scientific backgrounds.
• Strong motivation, organisation skills, and ability to contribute to a friendly and collaborative working environment.
• Fluency in English is required, both written and spoken. German and/or other languages are a plus.

We offer:

• Embedding in an energetic scientific research group with a highly collaborative atmosphere.
• A unique opportunity to integrate wet lab experiments with modelling and omics data analysis.
• A comprehensive continuing education programme and individual qualification and development measures.
• Jena – City of Science: a young and lively town with a vibrant local cultural agenda. Jena is among the most liveable cities in Germany. Situated on the Saale River and surrounded by the famous Thuringian Forest, this city is ideal for lovers of nature and hiking.
• A family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families: University Family Office ‘JUniFamilie’ and flexible childcare (‘JUniKinder).
• University health promotion and a wide range of university sports activities.
• Attractive fringe benefits, e.g. capital formation benefits (VL), Job Ticket (benefits for public transport), and an occupational pension (VBL).
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) up to salary scale E 13 (depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications) including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement.

The full-time position (40 hours per week) is initially for two years with the possibility to be extended subject to suitability. The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is an equal opportunity employer and part-time contracts can be discussed.

To promote gender equality in science, applications by woman are especially welcome. Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Applications in English should comprise a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae, copies of academic certificates, a list of publications and contact details of two personal references. Please familiarize yourself with the currently available postdoctoral projects (www.microverse-cluster.de ) and the application process as described in the Online Application Portal. Please submit your application via the JSMC Online Application Portal, under the vacancy ID 011/2022 by 21 February 2022:

Since all application documents will be duly destroyed after the recruitment process, we ask you to submit only copies of your documents. For further information for applicants, please also refer to www4.uni-jena.de/stellenmarkt_hinweis.html (in German) Please also note the information on the collection of personal data at www4.uni-jena.de/en/jobs_information_collecting_personal_data.html